The 1986 Ohio balloon disaster

The 1986 Ohio balloon disaster

On September 27, 1986, Cleveland, Ohio's United Way chapter attempted to break a world record by releasing nearly 1.5 million balloons in Public Square. The intended publicity stunt for United Way turned into an environmental disaster and logistical nightmare.
Weather: Strong winds and rain caused the balloons to descend en masse, landing in the city and Lake Erie.
Traffic: Streets were choked with balloons, causing car accidents.
Airport: A nearby regional airport was forced to shut down.
Coast Guard: The search for two missing fishermen was hindered by the balloons covering the lake, and the boaters were later found drowned.
Lawsuits: The organizers faced millions of dollars in lawsuits, including one from an Ohio farmer whose horse was permanently injured after being spooked by the balloons.
Environmental impact: Balloons littered beaches as far as Ontario